The Opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) has announced a bold commitment to scrap academic fees for first-year students in public universities as part of their broader agenda to make higher education more accessible, particularly for students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.
This policy was unveiled during the NDC’s youth manifesto launch in Accra on Monday, August 12, 2024. The party’s flagbearer, John Dramani Mahama, highlighted several other key initiatives aimed at improving the lives of young Ghanaians. Among these, the “24-hour economy policy” stands out, which seeks to stimulate economic activity around the clock, thereby creating more job opportunities and boosting productivity.
Mahama emphasized the importance of creating an environment where young people can thrive, stating, “We will create an enabling environment for young people to thrive and lay a foundation for prosperous Ghanaians, not just a few.” The NDC’s vision includes increasing access to quality education from the basic and secondary levels to tertiary education, as well as ensuring affordable healthcare and implementing various job creation programs.
In addition to these policies, the NDC also proposed the establishment of a Ministry for Youth Development. This new ministry would focus on unlocking the full potential of Ghana’s youth, ensuring that they are equipped with the skills and opportunities needed to contribute to the country’s development. Mahama’s proposals reflect the party’s commitment to addressing the needs of young people and creating a more inclusive and prosperous future for all Ghanaians.
